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CW-508600-PLA-006 2017/04/28 Plan Canadian Nuclear Laboratories Integrated Waste Strategy Summary Document Company Wide CW-508600-PLA-006 Revision 0 2017 April UNRESTRICTED avril 2017 ILLIMITÉE © Canadian Nuclear Laboratories © Laboratoires Nucléaires Canadiens
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CW-508600-PLA-006 2017/04/28
Plan
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories Integrated Waste Strategy Summary Document
Company Wide
CW-508600-PLA-006
Revision 0
2017 April
UNRESTRICTED
avril 2017
ILLIMITÉE
© Canadian Nuclear Laboratories
© Laboratoires Nucléaires Canadiens
CW-508600-PLA-006 2017/04/28
Plan
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories Integrated Waste Strategy Summary Document Summary Document
Company Wide
CW-508600-PLA-006
Revision 0
Prepared by Rédigé par ___________________________________
Lynne Jones, Technical Planner Waste Programs
Reviewed by
Examiné par ___________________________________ Andrew Drom, Director
Waste Programs
Approved by
Approuvé par ___________________________________ Kurt Kehler, Vise President
Decommissioning & Waste Management
2017 April
UNRESTRICTED
avril 2017
ILLIMITÉE © Canadian Nuclear
Laboratories © Laboratoires Nucléaires Canadiens
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0 2017/04/28 Approved for Use. Edited version of CW-508660-PLA-002 therefore no R&C required
L. Jones A. Drom K. Kehler
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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1. OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................ 1-1
2. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................... 2-1
Background .......................................................................................................... 2-1
Purpose ................................................................................................................ 2-2
Scope .................................................................................................................... 2-2
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories’ Sites .................................................................. 2-2
2.4.1 Chalk River Laboratories ................................................................................ 2-2
2.4.2 Nuclear Power Demonstration ...................................................................... 2-3
2.4.3 Douglas Point ................................................................................................. 2-3
2.4.4 Gentilly-1 & La Prade ..................................................................................... 2-3
2.4.5 Whiteshell Laboratories ................................................................................. 2-4
2.4.6 Historic Waste Program Management Office ................................................ 2-4
2.4.6.1 Port Hope Area Initiative ......................................................................... 2-4
2.4.6.2 Low Level Waste Programs ...................................................................... 2-5
3. CNL WASTE MANAGEMENT ................................................................................. 3-1
Radioactive Waste Framework ............................................................................ 3-1
Waste Management Goals and Activities ............................................................ 3-2
Waste Management Lifecycle .............................................................................. 3-2
Statement of Waste Management Policy and Principles .................................... 3-4
Integrated Waste Strategy Interactions .............................................................. 3-7
Waste Management Technological Underpinning .............................................. 3-8
Constraints and Dependencies ............................................................................ 3-8
3.7.1 Regulatory ...................................................................................................... 3-8
3.7.2 Financial ......................................................................................................... 3-8
3.7.3 Timing ............................................................................................................. 3-8
3.7.4 Technical ........................................................................................................ 3-8
3.7.5 Transport ........................................................................................................ 3-9
3.7.6 Waste Management ...................................................................................... 3-9
4. FORMULATION OF INTEGRATED WASTE STRATEGY ........................................... 4-1
Integrated Waste Strategy Methodology ............................................................ 4-1
Assumptions and Exclusions ................................................................................ 4-1
4.2.1 Assumptions ................................................................................................... 4-1
4.2.2 Exclusions ....................................................................................................... 4-1
Stakeholder Engagement ..................................................................................... 4-2
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5. OVERVIEW OF INTEGRATED WASTE STRATEGY .................................................. 5-1
Integrated Waste Strategy Waste Flow Overview............................................... 5-1
6. CNL INTEGRATED WASTE STRATEGIES ................................................................ 6-1
Radioactive Waste ............................................................................................... 6-1
6.1.1 High Level Waste ............................................................................................ 6-1
6.1.1.1 High Level Waste Strategy Challenges ..................................................... 6-2
6.1.2 Intermediate Level Waste .............................................................................. 6-2
6.1.2.1 Solid Intermediate Level Waste ............................................................... 6-2
6.1.2.2 Liquid Intermediate Level Waste ............................................................. 6-3
6.1.2.3 Intermediate Level Waste Strategy Challenges ....................................... 6-3
6.1.3 Low Level Waste ............................................................................................ 6-3
6.1.3.1 Solid Low Level Waste.............................................................................. 6-3
6.1.3.2 Low Level Waste Strategy Challenges ..................................................... 6-4
6.1.4 Mixed Waste .................................................................................................. 6-4
6.1.4.1 Mixed Waste Strategy Challenges ........................................................... 6-4
Non- Radioactive Waste ...................................................................................... 6-5
6.2.1 Clean Waste ................................................................................................... 6-5
6.2.1.1 Clean Waste Strategy Challenges ............................................................ 6-5
6.2.2 Hazardous Waste ........................................................................................... 6-5
6.2.2.1 Hazardous Waste Strategy Challenges .................................................... 6-5
7. SPECIFIC WASTES FOR CONSIDERATION ............................................................. 7-1
Stored Liquid Waste (SLW) .................................................................................. 7-1
Organic Contaminated material (HB40/ OS-84) .................................................. 7-1
Vegetation ............................................................................................................ 7-1
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB’s) ....................................................................... 7-1
Graphite ............................................................................................................... 7-1
Asbestos ............................................................................................................... 7-1
Mercury ................................................................................................................ 7-2
Lead ...................................................................................................................... 7-2
Remediation Waste ............................................................................................. 7-2
8. DISPOSAL ROUTES ................................................................................................ 8-1
Radioactive Long Term Waste Management and Disposal Routes ..................... 8-1
Non-Radioactive Disposal Routes ........................................................................ 8-2
9. CONCLUSIONS ...................................................................................................... 9-1
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10. ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS.......................................................................... 10-1
TABLES
Table 1 Baseline Waste Strategy ...................................................................................... 1-1
Table 2 Integrated Waste Strategy Action Plan ............................................................... 1-2
FIGURES
Figure 1 CNL Locations ....................................................................................................... 2-1
Figure 2 Waste Framework ................................................................................................ 3-1
Figure 4 WM Program and the Interfacing Management system (MS) Areas ................. 3-5
3-6
Figure 5 Waste Hierarchy .................................................................................................. 3-6
Figure 6 Integrated Waste Strategy Interaction with Other CNL Strategies and Plans ..................................................................................................................... 3-7
Figure 7 Colour Coding Legend .......................................................................................... 5-1
Figure 8 Overview of CNL Waste Flow ............................................................................... 5-2
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1. OVERVIEW
The Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) Integrated Waste Strategy (IWS) is a communication tool which focuses on the management of wastes using a lifecycle (cradle to grave) approach. It establishes integration and alignment with the goals and requirements of CNL’s primary business missions, including lifecycle cost optimization.
The IWS applies to all CNL managed radioactive and non-radioactive waste streams for the full waste management lifecycle including pre-treatment, treatment, storage, transport, and disposal.
The purpose of this summary is to capture the CNL baseline waste strategies (Table 2, and highlight existing waste management capability gaps within the CNL baseline waste strategies to produce an Action Plan. This Action Plan will guide the path to a more fulsome IWS.
Table 1 Baseline Waste Strategy
Waste Classification Baseline Waste Strategy
High Level Waste(HLW)
Consolidate used fuel at Chalk River Laboratories (CRL) and place
in safe, secure and suitable storage facilities until disposal facility
become available.
Repatriate eligible used fuel (Highly Enriched Uranium).
Intermediate Level Waste (ILW)
Consolidate ILW at CRL in safe, secure and suitable storage
facilities, making use of existing capacity, until disposal facilities
become available.
Manage suitable ILW in situ when acceptable
Low Level Waste (LLW)
Provide capability and capacity for managing solid LLW to support
the CNL mission, including accelerated decommissioning.
Manage suitable LLW in situ when acceptable.
Mixed Waste & Hazardous Waste
Process off-site with the return of radioactive material, if
applicable.
Identify and maximise opportunities for use and/or reuse.
Clean Waste Reduce waste generation and optimize waste management,
including use of waste hierarchy.
As part of the data gathering process, waste management capability gaps and issues were
identified within the waste lifecycle by internal stakeholders, AECL and subject matter experts
(SMEs), and for each gap an associated action was identified to improve the waste
management approach, making best use of capabilities, both at CNL and through the supply
chain. These formed the IWS Action Plan (Table 2.
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Table 2 Integrated Waste Strategy Action Plan
Waste Area
Action
Characterization
Identify and prioritize waste characterization gaps.
Develop technical and programmatic improvements to address gaps with a focus on Facilities Decommissioning (FD) and Environmental Remediation (ER) across CNL.
Produce long term strategies to enable reliable processes to be put in place to align with best practice.
Inventory/ Data
Ongoing inventory and forecast refinement as assumptions and risks identified are mitigated.
Identify suitable Waste Data Tracking System platform to provide data support and integrate across CNL.
Processing
Review processing technology requirements (based upon previous studies), identify areas requiring further assessment and develop standard waste treatment approaches for specific waste streams and waste types.
Carry out option studies as required.
Storage
Review and implement interim storage and waste packaging options to support missions.
Review and implement storage requirements at CRL , taking into consideration the needs of off-site producers
Transport Review and identify options for transportation of waste.
Produce and implement CNL transportation strategy to support the Decommissioning and Waste Management (D&WM) mission.
Long Term Management & Disposal
Proposed Near Surface Disposal Facility (NSDF) Project.
Identify right size solution for management of waste destined for a yet to be determined ILW disposal facility.
Continue to cooperate and coordinate with Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) regarding all CNL managed fuel.
Optimization
Prioritize projects requiring option studies, which have been identified and agreed upon with stakeholders and SME’s.
Use optioneering processes as required.
Continue to identify and assess projects until complete.
Communication
Maintain IWS as an iterative document, updating as required.
Roll out strategy to ensure the appropriate parties are engaged and aware of the IWS.
Ensure that all wastes continue to be captured in the IWS, and progress on identified gaps is ongoing.
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These actions (table 2) have been agreed upon with internal stakeholders, AECL and SME’s to work towards a complete and fully justified, underpinned and optimized IWS. This is an iterative process which will continue to be developed as the IWS evolves. Further iterations of the IWS will describe how these strategies will be improved and optimized.
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2. INTRODUCTION
Background
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) has a number of locations across Canada (Figure 1), and has been instrumental in the development of Canada’s nuclear industry. Through expertise in physics, metallurgy, chemistry, biology, ecology and engineering, CNL has enabled Canadians to benefit from the development and deployment of peaceful and innovative applications of nuclear technology. For more than 70 years, nuclear technology has evolved to meet the needs of the world ,including Canada, for clean, reliable energy; sustainable economic growth; and public health, safety and security. Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) is a federal Crown corporation responsible for managing Canada's radioactive waste liabilities and enabling nuclear science and technology. AECL delivers this mandate through a contractual arrangement with Canadian National Energy Alliance (CNEA) for the management and operation of Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) under a Government-owned, Contractor-operated (GoCo) model which was implemented in 2015 September.
Figure 1 CNL Locations
Primary Radioactive Waste Transportation Pathways
Chalk River Laboratories
Gentilly-1
Port Hope, Port Granby
Douglas Point
Whiteshell Laboratories
Nuclear Power Demonstration
Low-Level Radioactive Waste
In-Situ Low-Level Radioactive Waste
Intermediate Level Radioactive Waste
Spent Fuel
LaPrade Heavy Water Plant
Sawmill BayBell Rock
Fort SmithFort Fitzgerald Fort McMurray
Greater Toronto Area
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Purpose
The purpose of an Integrated Waste Strategy (IWS) at CNL is to ensure the integration of the management of waste across CNL, and define pathways for all CNL managed wastes using a lifecycle (cradle to grave) approach.
The purpose of this Summary is to capture the CNL baseline waste strategies for all CNL operated sites, highlight gaps within the strategies, and identify actions required to improve the waste management approach. The IWS is an iterative document, therefore as work progresses to further integrate waste management practices, further iterations of the IWS will describe how these strategies will be improved and optimized.
The IWS defines the waste management lifecycle phases and describes the strategies for managing the various types of waste. CNL’s IWS will continue to develop in accordance with government policies, regulatory requirements, and company policies with regard to waste management, and will support the CNL plan to integrate the ongoing enduring missions of Science and Technology (S&T), Capital, and Decommissioning and Waste Management (D&WM).
Scope
The principles and strategies contained within this document apply to all waste managed by CNL at CNL operated sites, and to the management of both solid and liquid wastes of all waste classifications, including Radioactive (High Level, Intermediate Level, Low- Level and Mixed) and Non- Radioactive (Hazardous and Clean) waste. The tactical and waste technical details regarding the methods that will be deployed to deliver the strategies exist within the projects at CNL sites.
The UK Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) has developed a specification and associated guidance document on the content and format of an IWS, ENG 01 ‘Specification and Guidance on the Content and Format of an Integrated Waste Strategy` https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/eng01-specification-and-guidance-for-an-integrated-waste-strategy ;This document uses the UK NDA specification as an aid in guiding the development of CNL’s IWS.
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories’ Sites
This section provides a brief description of each CNL site and the baseline plan for the sites to date.
2.4.1 Chalk River Laboratories
Chalk River Laboratories (CRL) are located in the town of Deep River, Ontario, 190 km northwest of Canada's national capital, Ottawa. The CRL site comprises approximately 4000 hectares along the Ottawa River. The CRL site contains several licence-listed nuclear facilities, including the National Research Universal (NRU) reactor and many other unique facilities and
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laboratories. The site has unique capabilities, expertise and specialized facilities that support innovation in safety, security, health, environmental and clean energy technologies.
The long term plan for CRL is revitalization of the site, to transform the site into a world-class, right-sized and sustainable campus. To enable this, a program of accelerated decommissioning of old, unused and redundant facilities is underway.
2.4.2 Nuclear Power Demonstration
The Nuclear Power Demonstration (NPD) site is located on the Ottawa River near the town of Rolphton, Ontario, approximately 25 km from CRL. The NPD reactor operated as a training facility from 1962 until 1987. NPD is presently in the Storage with Surveillance (SwS) phase of decommissioning under a Waste Facility Decommissioning Licence issued by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC).
The proposed plan is to complete in-situ decommissioning, with the exception of some hazardous material, such as asbestos insulation and floor tiles, which will be removed as required prior to demolition. The general approach to in-situ decommissioning involves preparing systems and structures for grouting to create a monolith below grade. The below grade sealed structures will contain any radiological sources within it for a period of institutional control. A protective cover will be added on the surface which will also serve to channel water away from the site and protect it from the elements.
2.4.3 Douglas Point
The Douglas Point (DP) site is located at the Bruce Power site, on the shores of Lake Huron near the town of Kincardine, Ontario. It housed Canada’s first full scale nuclear power plant, operational from 1968 to 1984. DP is presently in the SwS phase of decommissioning under a Waste Facility Decommissioning Licence issued by the CNSC. The current plan is near-term decommissioning of the site with the exception of the reactor which will continue in ongoing SwS. The associated used fuel will remain in dry storage at the site until it can be moved to CRL.
2.4.4 Gentilly-1 & La Prade
The Gentilly-1 (G-1) site is located at Bécancour, Québec, and is situated within the boundaries of the G-2 site, which is owned by Hydro Quebec. It ceased operations in 1979 and is presently in the SwS phase of decommissioning under a Waste Facility Decommissioning License issued by the CNSC. The current plan is near-term decommissioning of the site with the exception of the reactor which will continue in ongoing SwS. The associated used fuel will remain in dry storage at the site until it can be moved to CRL.
La Prade, also located at Bécancour, Québec, is a heavy water (D2O) storage facility. The current plan is to continue safe storage of D2O at the site with continued transfers of heavy water from CRL to La Prade. Although tritiated heavy water is not currently classified as a waste, resale
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opportunities still exist and waste may be produced as the result of upgrading processes. Therefore this material is captured within the IWS, as some portion of the material may require disposal as waste in the future.
2.4.5 Whiteshell Laboratories
Whiteshell Laboratories (WL) are located 100 km northeast of Winnipeg, Manitoba and operated from 1961 to 2002. The WL site covers an area of about 4,375 hectares with the main part of the site located on the east bank of the Winnipeg River. WL carried out nuclear research and development activities for higher temperature versions of the Canada Deuterium Uranium (CANDU) reactor. The initial focus of research was the 60 MW Thermal WL Reactor-1 (WR-1) Organic Cooled Reactor that began operation in 1965 and continued to operate until 1985. WL also has a range of nuclear facilities and hot cells that provided support for these programs. The Canadian Nuclear Fuel Waste Management program, including the Underground Research Laboratory (URL) located in Lac du Bonnet, MB, was based at WL. All other structures will be decommissioned and the grounds will be remediated to an approved end-state criteria which is currently being developed/ finalized. Following in-situ decommissioning, institutional controls and surveillance activities will be required to monitor environmental performance of the entombed material at the WL site.
2.4.6 Historic Waste Program Management Office
The Historic Waste Program Management Office (HWP MO) is located at Port Hope, Ontario. Historic LLW is waste that was managed in the past in a manner no longer acceptable, which the current owner cannot reasonably be held responsible for and which the government of Canada has accepted long term responsibility. Through its HWP MO, CNL implements federal programs and projects related to the safe management of historic low-level waste across Canada, on behalf of AECL, a federal Crown corporation. The HWP MO includes the projects under the Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI) and the national Low-Level Waste Programs (LLWP).
2.4.6.1 Port Hope Area Initiative
The PHAI represents the Government of Canada’s commitment to respond to the community recommended solutions for the cleanup and local, long-term, safe management of historic LLW in the municipalities of Port Hope (PH) and Clarington. It is currently one of the largest environmental restoration projects being undertaken in Canada.
The PHAI involves the cleanup of approximately 1.2 million m3 of historic LLW from various sites in Port Hope, the construction of an engineered aboveground mound where the waste will be safely contained, and the long-term monitoring and maintenance of the new waste management facility. The mound will be capped and closed and the existing site restored.
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The Port Granby (PG) Project, in the Municipality of Clarington, will relocate approximately 450,000 m3 of historic LLW and marginally contaminated soils, located at an existing waste management facility on the shoreline of Lake Ontario, to a new, engineered aboveground mound to be built about a kilometre north of the current site. The mound will be capped and closed and the existing site restored.
2.4.6.2 Low Level Waste Programs
The HWP MO manages historic LLW, on behalf of the federal government, stored at numerous waste sites located throughout Canada and has successfully completed projects in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta and the Northwest Territories. At many of these sites, materials have been placed in interim storage pending the development and implementation of a long-term management approach. At other sites, the waste is in long-term storage. Larger volumes of contaminated soil can be potentially managed at or near the source. Ongoing site monitoring, inspection and maintenance are conducted at all storage and in-situ sites by the LLWP.
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3. CNL WASTE MANAGEMENT
Radioactive Waste Framework
In accordance with Canada’s Radioactive Waste Policy Framework, the owners of radioactive waste are responsible for the funding, organization, and management of their respective waste in addition to the operation of long-term waste management facilities, as required. The waste framework structure, highlighting how CNL sites fit into the picture is shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2 Waste Framework
AECL is a federal Crown corporation responsible for managing Canada’s radioactive waste liabilities and enabling nuclear science and technology which is delivered through a contractual arrangement with CNEA for the management and operation of CNL. Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is the lead federal government department responsible for developing and implementing uranium, nuclear energy and radioactive waste management policies in Canada. In accordance with the Nuclear Safety and Control Act, section 9, the CNSC mandate is to
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regulate the use of nuclear energy and materials in order to: • Protect the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment. • Implement Canada's international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy. • Disseminate objective scientific, technical and regulatory information to the public.
Waste Management Goals and Activities
CNL’s strategic objectives include the requirement to safely and cost effectively accelerate D&WM efforts, thereby facilitating the S&T mission and reducing Canada’s liability. D&WM strategic priorities include:
Improving integration of D&WM with CNL’s enduring S&T mission
Constructing and operating the Near Surface Disposal Facility (NSDF)
Establishing an Integrated Waste Strategy (IWS) for all CNL managed waste
Consolidating Intermediate-Level Waste (ILW) and used fuel for long-term storage
Aligning decommissioning and environmental remediation (ER) to international best
practice
Accelerating remediation of Waste Management Areas (WMA)and other affected areas
Repatriating eligible used fuel to the United States
Waste Management Lifecycle
The previous CNL strategy for the management of waste is a reflection of a waste management approach that supported research and development (R&D) and limited decommissioning program activities throughout CNL. Current and future waste management strategy must consider larger scale decommissioning and ER. Work is underway to integrate this into the waste management lifecycle. This is shown in Figure 3.
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*Legend for shapes: solid line boxes indicate an activity; dotted-line indicates sub-activities.
Figure 3 Waste Management Lifecycle and Examples of Performed Activities
Phase 2 - Processing
Phase 1 - Define Scope Planning
Identify Waste Type and Volume
Define Waste Characterization
Requirements
Describe Monitoring and
Analysis
Develop Waste Management
Plan
Develop Waste Minimization
Approach
Phase 4 - Transportation nsportation
Phase 3 - Storage
Phase 5 - Disposal
Pre-treatment
Treatment
Conditioning
Waste Characterization
Waste Minimization with usage of Waste
Hierarchy
Decontamination and Deactivation
Processes
Waste Reduction Technologies
Packaging suitable for storage and/or transportation
Compaction, Thermal Treatment
May require Additional
Characterization
On-Site and/or Off-Site Storage
May require dditional
Monitoring
May require Additional Processing
May require Additional Monitoring
May require Continued Monitoring
May require Additional Processing
On-Site and/or Off-Site Transportation
On-Site and/or Off-Site Disposal
Solidification, Immobilization
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Statement of Waste Management Policy and Principles
The CNL Waste Management (WM) Program establishes program boundaries, and provides oversight, compliance and services for WM. The WM Program is integrated with other CNL programs and projects in order to effectively implement processes to ensure regulatory compliance, safety, and effectiveness to meet goals and objectives.
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Figure 4 WM Program and the Interfacing Management system (MS) Areas
Waste Management Program Functional Support Area
Interfacing Organizations/Sites
Whiteshell
Douglas Point Gentilly-1
Chalk River Laboratories
Waste Management MS Area
Waste Management and Environmental
Remediation Projects
Waste Operations
Low Level Radioactive
Waste Facility
Fuel and HEU Program
Historic Waste Program
Management Office
Responsible for Waste Process Oversight
CRL Decommissioning
Nuclear Power Demonstration
Decommissioning
Decommissioning MS Area
CNL Sites
Decommissioning and Waste Management Organizations
Responsible
LapradeCenter for
Nuclear Energy Research
Port Granby
Port Hope
Vice President, Decommissioning and Waste Management (Program Authority
Authorizer)
Waste Management Program Authority
Integrated Waste Strategy
Waste Management Oversight
Waste Characterization
Waste Inventory and Forecasting
Waste Transportation
Strategy
Waste Data Tracking
Waste Customer Support/
Waste Advice and Guidance
Role/Responsibility
Program Management
Prototype Reactor Decommissioning
Whiteshell Decommissioning
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The WM Program also facilitates and oversees all aspects of the waste management process and provides oversight and SME support to waste generators to ensure that the waste management lifecycle process and waste hierarchy (Figure 5 are implemented in accordance with the applicable policies and procedures governing these activities.
As well as safety, compliance and cost minimization, the following are the main waste management drivers: use the waste hierarchy as practicable;
minimize waste handling;
use existing assets (e.g. current storage
facilities) and the current supply chain, as
practicable;
optimize waste processes as practicable;
use a graded approach; and
adopt use of best practice for
decommissioning
Figure 5 Waste Hierarchy
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Integrated Waste Strategy Interactions
Figure 6 illustrates the interaction of the IWS with other CNL strategies, plans and implementation processes.
CN
L P
lans
Inte
gra
ted
Wa
ste
Str
ate
gy
Imp
lem
en
tation
CNL D&WM
CRL
WLNPD
DP
CNL Sites Waste Categories
Radioactive Waste
Justification and Underpinning Planning and Delivery
Examples:
Feasibility Studies
Option Studies
Waste Inventory & Forecasting
Examples:
IWS Action Plan
Technical Approach
Waste Transportation Strategy
G-1 (& La Prade)
LLWP Sites
Non- Radioactive Waste
HLW (Used
Fuel)
Hazardous
Waste
ILW
LLW
Clean Waste
Mixed WastePHAI Sites
(Port Hope & Port
Granby)
2016-2026 10 year Integrated
Plan
Decommissioning and Waste Management Program
Figure 6 Integrated Waste Strategy Interaction with Other CNL Strategies and Plans
The IWS has been developed taking the CNL Plans into consideration. This will ensure alignment and integration across the organization. As the IWS evolves, the planning and delivery tools (Figure 5) will be utilized to inform the IWS and options are being evaluated regarding development of an improved waste data tracking system.
The IWS Action Plan (table 2) highlights the activities required to address gaps and resolve issues. These activities will include justification and underpinning of the strategy through the production of feasibility and option studies, as required.
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Waste Management Technological Underpinning
CNL has developed a program of generic technical expertise and waste management innovation that will both underpin existing strategies and develop new strategic approaches. This will require the involvement and assistance of CNL’s S&T program. Further work is necessary to optimize waste treatment and conditioning techniques.
Constraints and Dependencies
One of the primary missions of CNL is the revitalization of CRL to renew and grow capabilities through collaborations and strategic development of people, facilities and equipment. Accelerated decommissioning of more than 120 structures will assist in providing space to build new structures. Another mission is to close redundant sites, including NPD and WL on an accelerated schedule. Completing this work reduces nuclear legacy liabilities and associated risks. This section highlights the constraints and dependencies which affect this program of work.
3.7.1 Regulatory
The IWS process is not a regulatory process but is considered best practice, regulatory and stakeholder approvals must be obtained where required to enable the IWS to be successful.
3.7.2 Financial
Although accelerated decommissioning is a priority at CNL, the program of work is constrained and dependent upon funding limits. Therefore all gaps are prioritised and targeted taking this constraint into consideration.
3.7.3 Timing
Consideration of the anticipated waste volumes and their associated schedule has aided in identification of potential gaps, and their associated urgency with respect to the program of work, in processing, storage, transportation, and disposal capability to ensure delivery of the associated activities.
A key enabler for accelerated decommissioning is the availability of the NSDF which will accept LLW and other suitable waste streams. Until the NSDF is fully operational, any delays to the proposed facility will have an impact as extended storage of waste will be required. In particular, consideration of timing with the decommissioning of NPD and WL have been fundamental in preparing the IWS, to ensure these projects are successful.
3.7.4 Technical
The strategy to complete decommissioning activities is to maximise the use of available and proven technologies. Key technical gaps include the requirement to obtain approval for a suitable fuel shipping cask for the transport of material from WL to CRL for storage, and the
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need to determine the level of processing required for waste to meet transport regulations. Technical decisions would impact schedule and cost.
3.7.5 Transport
A key constraint and dependency to the CNL strategy is the packaging and transportation of waste on and off-site. In the near term, the transfer of radioactive waste from WL to CRL for storage and/ or disposal has been identified as particular importance, where stakeholder issues and logistics will need to be fully developed and agreed upon.
3.7.6 Waste Management
CNL is currently improving existing processes to enable effective waste management. Aging facilities and infrastructure in the WMA’s will require on-going maintenance and upgrades. The IWS process will inform gaps in capabilities including the need for future development of additional waste handling and processing facilities.
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4. FORMULATION OF INTEGRATED WASTE STRATEGY
Integrated Waste Strategy Methodology
The IWS methodology is based on the UK NDA guidance, ENG 01 ‘Specification and Guidance on the Content and Format of an Integrated Waste Strategy` https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/eng01-specification-and-guidance-for-an-integrated-waste-strategy. An Integrated Project team including SMEs engaged and provided input to the preparation of the IWS. The key IWS areas:
Data Gathering: included an assessment of waste currently being generated, waste in storage, and future anticipated wastes until the assumed end date of 2100 for planning purposes;
Critical Evaluation of Waste Management Options: involved laying out current baseline waste pathways in the form of flow diagrams that incorporate waste generation, pre-disposal1 and disposal, and identifying what may be required in the future to meet waste management needs and highlighting gaps and issues within the waste flow; and
Identifying Future Activities: included development of an IWS Action Plan. The action plan highlights waste areas and issues to be focused on for further investigation/ studies. It will be reviewed on a regular basis and updated by WM Programs as necessary.
Assumptions and Exclusions
4.2.1 Assumptions
The following assumptions have been used to prepare the IWS:
Existing waste inventory and a reliable waste forecast is in place;
An NSDF site will be prepared, constructed, and approved for operation;
WL and NPD Closure projects will be delivered to align with CNL Plans;
ILW will be stored at CRL until a future disposal route is identified;
Waste processing routes remain available for hazardous & mixed waste; and
Existing landfill capacity will be managed to support waste needs.
4.2.2 Exclusions
The following exclusions have been used to prepare the IWS:
Costs are not assessed; and
Technical solutions are not assessed.
1 Pre-disposal includes all of the steps carried out prior to disposal, including processing (pre-treatment, treatment
& conditioning), storage, transportation and disposal of waste (IAEA Safety Glossary)
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Stakeholder Engagement
Under its Public Information Program (PIP) CNL works to engage members of the public on a wide variety of CNL activities. For instance, engagement activities have been undertaken to disseminate information on projects such as PHAI, NSDF, and the NPD and WR-1 Closure projects. In addition to these projects specific initiatives CNL maintains engagement via social media, website, public newsletter, Alumni, public meetings, Environmental Stewardship Council, and meetings with regional officials for examples.
CNL has informed the public about the PHAI, NSDF, and the WL and NPD Closure projects, via the CNL website, information bulletins and newsletters. Various activities have been undertaken including participation in public council meetings, public information sessions and site tours.
The IWS is primarily a communication tool, therefore, CNL and other nuclear industry stakeholders have been included in the production of the first iteration of the IWS. Through CNL Corporate Communications, the IWS will be shared with stakeholders to support mission objectives.
As development of the IWS is an iterative process, as the IWS matures, engagement activities will be revisited and implemented as necessary.
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5. OVERVIEW OF INTEGRATED WASTE STRATEGY
CNL’s objectives; to clear redundant buildings and liabilities at the Chalk River site; investing in facilities and infrastructure; and modernizing systems and work practices, have been an early priority activity with a focus towards enabling site revitalization. These activities will significantly increase the rate at which wastes arise and the need for new waste management capabilities to be implemented. The goal of the IWS is to document the current baseline waste routes and identify any future routes that are anticipated to ensure gaps and issues are identified and addressed to meet the business needs of CNL.
Integrated Waste Strategy Waste Flow Overview
During the development of the IWS, a series of workshops were held to engage and gain input from internal stakeholders, AECL and SME’s. At these workshops, current and future wastes were identified with their corresponding waste streams captured. A colour coding system is explained in Figure 7.
Baseline
Strategy
Capability needs
to be developed
to satisfy
requirements
Further work is
required to
implement
Capacity may not
support waste
needs
Figure 7 Colour Coding Legend
The information gathered from the workshops was used to produce visuals of the waste flow from generation to final disposition. An overview of the CNL waste flow is shown in Figure 8. Full waste flow diagrams have been developed and underpin the strategy in more detail.
It should be noted that at this stage of the process, waste routes have not been fully optimized. This will be addressed within the Action Plan and in future revisions of the IWS where the use of option studies will show that the options identified are justified and underpinned.
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High Level Waste
(HLW)
(Used Fuel)
Dry Storage
Tile Holes
Canisters
Stand pipes
Repatriation
(Highly Enriched
Uranium)
Used Fuel Deep
Geologic
Repository
(NWMO)
Dry & Package Retrieve & Package
Retrieve & Process (as required)
Intermediate
Level Waste
(ILW)
Segregate & Process
(as required) ILW DisposalRetrieve & Process
(as required)
Low Level Waste
(LLW)
Near Surface
Disposal Area
(NSDF)
Low Level Waste
Disposal Facility
Consolidation
SitesRetrieve & Process (as required)
Low Level Radioactive Waste
Management Office (LLRWMO)
Hazardous
Waste
Off Site
Processing and/
or Disposal
Segregate & Process
(as required)
Clean Waste
On/ Off site
Reuse
Recycle
Landfill
Segregate & Process
(as required)
Near Surface
Disposal Facility
(NSDF)
ILW Storage
Bunkers
Tile Holes
SMAGS
Retrieve & Process
(as required)
In Situ
Off Site
Processing
Metal Melt
LLW StorageSegregate & Process
(as required)
Retrieve & Process
(as required)
In Situ
Port Hope Long
Term Waste
Management
Facility
Port Hope Area Initiative
Port Granby Long
Term Waste
Management
Facility
Mixed Waste
Near Surface
Disposal Area
(NSDF)
Off Site
Processing
Metal Melt
Segregate & Process
(as required)
Retrieve & Process
(as required)
In Situ
ILW Disposal
LLW or ILW
Storage
Retrieve & Process
(as required)
Figure 8 Overview of CNL Waste Flow
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6. CNL INTEGRATED WASTE STRATEGIES
The CNL IWS has been produced to identify all waste storage and disposal routes, focusing on the anticipated larger volumes of decommissioning waste to be produced in the near term and ensuring sufficient storage is available until operational disposal facilities and/or routes become available. Section 6.1 discusses the current CNL waste strategy by waste classification, and highlights specific challenges in the near and long term.
Work is underway to develop an improved characterization program as characterization is an essential predisposal activity that is common to all waste management steps and involves determination of physical, chemical, biological, and radiological properties of the waste. Studies will consider the wider CNL business in order to ensure the decisions and outcomes reflect optimal solutions for all wastes throughout the waste lifecycle.
Radioactive Waste
6.1.1 High Level Waste
In general, CNL sites do not generate large volumes of HLW. However, it does have a wide range of solid HLW (used fuel) currently in dry storage at CRL (including fuel from NPD , WL, DP and G-1). This consists of CANDU type fuel and research reactor fuel.
The management of used fuel will be integrated across CNL and co-location storage options will be identified, while awaiting national solutions which includes the used fuel DGR, which is currently at the siting stage. Processing of some of the used fuel will be required, based on the parent fuel, to meet waste acceptance criteria (WAC).
Used fuel that is eligible for repatriation will follow the US DOE/ National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) non-proliferation M3 (Material Management and Minimization) Mission approach. This is completed under a commitment made in 2010 by the Government of Canada to work cooperatively to repatriate highly enriched uranium (HEU), currently stored at CRL, and to eliminate proliferation risks.
CNL Objective for High Level Waste:
To consolidate used fuel at CRL and place in safe, secure and suitable storage facilities until disposal facilities become available.
To repatriate eligible used fuel (Highly Enriched Uranium).
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6.1.1.1 High Level Waste Strategy Challenges
To meet the WL, DP and G-1 decommissioning timelines, used fuel transfers to CRL and associated work including retrieval, packaging and the transport of used fuel waste require a range of technical solutions and integration with CRL. It is anticipated that some of the research reactor fuel and fuel debris currently stored within stand pipes at WL will be difficult to retrieve. Therefore, processing of some fuels may be required at WL, entailing provision of a new or modified facility. At CRL, work is underway to develop suitable storage capabilities to accept the used fuel.
Transport capabilities for used fuel from WL, DP and G-1 to CRL are being identified and implemented. CRL is providing support with the development of these capabilities and capturing and managing the wider transportation approach. Activities range from examining waste management system design concepts and developing process plans, to conducting R&D on the suitability of various waste packages.
In the long term it is presumed that CNL managed used fuel will be accepted at the proposed national used fuel DGR. Work continues through integration with CNL programs and NWMO to ensure all CNL managed fuel is compliant with the proposed used fuel DGR requirements.
6.1.2 Intermediate Level Waste
ILW is generated from reactor parts and components associated with reactor operations and decommissioning, as well as the isotope production process.
6.1.2.1 Solid Intermediate Level Waste
For radioactive material not suitable for NSDF disposal, interim storage capabilities will be developed. Solid ILW at CRL is segregated, processed and packaged as required, and stored at the CRL site. Solid ILW from other CNL sites, with the exception of NPD and WL WR-1 waste which will be managed by proposed in-situ decommissioning, will be processed as required to meet transport regulations and transferred to CRL for storage until a final ILW disposal is identified.
CNL Objective for Intermediate Level Waste:
To consolidate ILW at CRL and place in safe, secure and suitable storage facilities, making use of existing capacity, until disposal facilities become available.
To manage suitable ILW in situ when acceptable.
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6.1.2.2 Liquid Intermediate Level Waste
Liquid ILW is treated (immobilized) and stored as solid ILW. At CRL, treatment is undertaken where liquid is evaporated and bituminized in drums and stored as solid ILW.
6.1.2.3 Intermediate Level Waste Strategy Challenges
In the near term, due to limited storage capacity at CRL, identification and implementation of options will be required to ensure space is available to meet the storage needs for solid ILW, in particular, ILW from WL which will be transferred to CRL. CRL is evaluating approaches to retrieve and immobilize legacy liquid wastes from a series of legacy tanks, and decommission the associated tanks and structures.
In the long term, further treatment of ILW may be required to meet any final WAC on an, as yet unsited intermediate level waste disposal facility. The feasibility of locating a disposal facility at CRL has previously been assessed. The outcome determined that CRL was feasible to host such a facility. Further options and locations still need to be identified and assessed.
6.1.3 Low Level Waste
LLW is generated from operational, decommissioning and ER activities. Waste streams include dry active waste (e.g. personal protective equipment & clothing), metal, rubble, concrete, wood, equipment, soil and vegetation and liquid waste from processes and laboratory operations.
6.1.3.1 Solid Low Level Waste
The baseline strategy for solid LLW including dry active waste, demolition and decommissioning wastes at CRL, WL, DP & G-1 is to segregate where practical, process as required and place in storage. Currently, waste is packaged in approved packaging to align with handling, transportation and storage activities. LLW is placed in storage in Shielded Modular Above Ground Storage (SMAGS) facilities at WL and CRL. Once operational, LLW will be transferred directly to the proposed NSDF at CRL for disposal. Through ER projects, prudent management and cleanup of legacy contaminated and affected sites will progressively reduce the Government of Canada’s risk and liability. CNL will use comprehensive site characterization to understand radioactive and hazardous material
CNL Objective for Low Level Waste:
To provide capability and capacity for managing solid LLW to support the CNL
Mission, including accelerated decommissioning.
To manage suitable ILW in situ when acceptable.
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contamination levels, environmental transport, conceptual site models and key site specific parameters to support risk assessments. This will be used to determine what cleanup actions are required.
In the near term, the largest volume of waste generated at CRL will arise from facilities decommissioning (FD). As the majority of waste volume will be LLW, disposition will be enabled by the proposed NSDF, located at CRL. Waste generated prior to construction of NSDF will be placed in storage at CRL, until the facility becomes available. LLW currently in storage at DP & G-1 will also be transferred to CRL for storage and/or disposal in support of planned decommissioning activities.
6.1.3.2 Low Level Waste Strategy Challenges
As the proposed NSDF is not yet available, near term challenges associated with waste storage need to be addressed to ensure sufficient capability is available to meet the high volume of waste encountered with an accelerated program of decommissioning. To address this, waste storage options are being assessed and applicable waste streams are being processed to manage storage capacity and to reduce waste liabilities.
6.1.4 Mixed Waste
Mixed waste is radioactive waste that is also classified as hazardous waste on the basis of its non-radiological characteristics. There are many examples of mixed waste at CNL which are typically encountered through operational, R&D, post operational clean out (POCO), decommissioning and ER activities. Mixed waste, in general, are currently dispositioned via an off-site processor with any residual radioactive material being returned to site for disposal. Mixed waste may be accepted for disposal in the NSDF provided that it meets the intent of land disposal and leachate requirements specified in the Ontario Environmental Protection Act, Regulation 347 General Waste Management.
6.1.4.1 Mixed Waste Strategy Challenges
There are challenges associated with mixed waste due to limited options for addressing the waste. Currently at CNL, the only available pathway is to send the material to off-site processors with the radioactive component being returned to CNL for storage/ disposal. This may be resolved with the commencement of operations at the proposed NSDF as it is intended
CNL Objective for mixed waste:
To provide reliable disposal routes via:
o use of CNL and the supply chain capabilities for processing
o the proposed NSDF for waste which meets the WAC
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that the facility will accept suitable mixed waste. This is currently being reviewed as part of the WAC production process.
Another challenge is ensuring identification and determination of processing needs for all CNL mixed wastes.
Non- Radioactive Waste
6.2.1 Clean Waste
Clean waste includes conventional trash, metal, construction, demolition and decommissioning material, ground material and vegetation. The baseline strategy for clean waste is to apply the waste hierarchy to avoid the generation of waste, and to re-use and recycle wastes that are generated.. Waste that does require disposal is sent to either on-site (for CRL & WL) or off-site landfills.
6.2.1.1 Clean Waste Strategy Challenges
Based upon current usage, the CRL landfill is estimated to reach capacity within the next ten years. Therefore efforts are underway to identify and assess options for the disposal of clean waste to ensure waste routes are available to meet the demands of the accelerated decommissioning program.
Ground material is included within the IWS as it has the potential to become waste if reuse opportunities are not identified. Suitable laydown area capabilities are being improved to stage and grade material so that reuse of soils on the CRL site can be coordinated and optimized.
6.2.2 Hazardous Waste
Hazardous waste at CNL is packaged in accordance with regulations and transferred off-site for processing and disposal.
6.2.2.1 Hazardous Waste Strategy Challenges
One potential challenge for hazardous waste is ensuring that suitable off-site routes remain available throughout the lifetime of CNL.
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7. SPECIFIC WASTES FOR CONSIDERATION
This section highlights particular wastes that have been identified as challenging and/ or difficult to manage. They may require further studies and assessments to ensure the optimum solutions for processing and disposition have been identified, or challenging with respect to technical and safety considerations.
Stored Liquid Waste (SLW)
CNL will retrieve and process legacy radioactive liquid waste located in tanks at CRL, resulting in a stabilized waste product.
Organic Contaminated material (HB40/ OS-84)
The WR-1 reactor at WL was organically cooled with liquid aromatic hydrocarbon compounds HB40 and OS-84. The liquid coolant has since been removed from the reactor. Due to the nature of these compounds, WL are currently performing studies on HB-40 in support of the WR-1 in-situ decommissioning.
Vegetation
Off-site processing and on-site storage is available for vegetation but is currently limited in scope, reliability and efficiency. As revitalization of the CRL site progresses, the limitations in management options may increase costs to projects.
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB’s)
Studies are required to determine if there is such likelihood of this material being present, and if so, options for processing and disposal need to be identified. This will require discussions with Environment Canada.
Graphite
Graphite in the NRX reactor at CRL will require removal during decommissioning, and it is likely there is more graphite in other areas at CNL. Currently, WMA B can only accept small volumes of graphite and other moderators, e.g. Beryllium, due to criticality concerns. Since the exact volume of graphite at CNL is still being established, it is unclear whether the WAC for the proposed NSDF will enable accommodation of all of the graphite at CNL. If it cannot, effort will be required to identify a suitable alternative pathway.
Asbestos
Asbestos is likely to be the largest single hazardous material generated from decommissioning. Removal is carried out by specialized workers. Small amounts are bagged and disposed of via approved routes; a fully operational and optimized route for large volumes encountered during
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decommissioning needs to be identified. Work is underway to open new waste routes for clean asbestos waste.
Mercury
Mercury is known to be present in the WMAs. Processing may be required to treat the mercury present. Characterization of the wastes in storage is required to determine the extent of the issue and options for treatment need to be assessed.
Lead
It is expected that a large volume of lead will be produced as a result of decommissioning. Currently it is presumed this waste will be packaged and stored until disposal is available at the proposed NSDF, but may require treatment/ encapsulation to meet the WAC. The plan is to store the waste for treatment and disposal until option studies can be undertaken to determine the best route(s) to meet business needs.
Remediation Waste
Although the legacy material that is to be remediated is likely to already be captured within the other waste pathways, degradation of waste and packages creates an additional challenge due to the mixing of a range of materials, and contamination with soil and sand.
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8. DISPOSAL ROUTES
The waste flow diagram details various disposal routes used by CNL which are either CNL managed and operated or are contracted. Whichever option is utilized depends upon current and future availability. In some cases use of optioneering to determine an optimised solution may be required, especially where it is known that routes may not continue to provide needed capabilities in the future.
Radioactive Long Term Waste Management and Disposal Routes
The following Long Term Waste Management Facilities are currently operational or under construction at CNL:
The HWP MO has two long term management facilities which will accept historic LLW from their specific projects through the PHAI. The PH LTWMF is under construction. The facility will provide safe, long-term storage for the approximately 1.2 million m3 of historic low-level waste to be cleaned up in the community as part of the Port Hope Project. Approximately 450,000 m3 of that waste is already located at the existing waste management facility, within the boundaries of the new facility site, and will be relocated to the aboveground engineered mound during the cleanup. The PG LTWMF began operations in 2016 October. The facility will provide safe, long-term storage for the approximately 450,000 m3 of LLW and contaminated soil. The multi-component cover system will reduce surface water infiltration through the waste, provide protection of the mound from inadvertent intrusion into the waste, and reduce levels of gamma radiation on the surface of the mound to background levels. The cover will be approximately 2.75 m thick and will include a capillary drainage layer system that will provide additional protection against moisture infiltration into the waste.
The HWP MO also has a long term management facility that has been closed and is currently under long-term monitoring in Fort McMurray, Alberta. The facility provides safe, long-term storage for approximately 43,000 m3 of historic LLW recovered from the remediation of uranium ore impacted sites along the Northern Transportation Route (NTR) in Fort McMurray.
The CRL Bulk Material Landfill is a long term management facility which began operations in 2010 and accepts LLW sewage sludge from the on-site sewage treatment plant.
There are no approved final disposal routes available for radioactive waste in Canada. However, there are some proposals underway for future disposal routes and facilities at CNL.
The NSDF is a proposed engineered facility for LLW and some ILW radioactive waste
disposal, which is currently in the design stage and is planned to be located at CRL. The
proposed NSDF will have an initial capacity of 525,000 m3, increasing to a final capacity
of 1,000,000 m3 over the course of its 50 years in operation. It will provide near term
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disposition for stored legacy waste, enable accelerated decommissioning at CRL and WL,
achieve the immediate reduction of the estimated cleanup liability, and demonstrate a
cost-effective disposal method. The NSDF will accept LLW, ILW (less than 1% by
volume), and other wastes that meet the WAC. The facility is expected to be
operational for approximately 50 years. http://www.ceaa-
acee.gc.ca/050/documents/p80122/118380E.pdf
A program to develop a national repository for permanent disposal of used fuel has been approved by the federal government and undertaken by the NWMO. The national Used Fuel DGR is currently in the siting process and is anticipated to be operational by ~2045 and accepting AECL’s used fuel by ~2055. The Used Fuel DGR is a network of underground tunnels and placement rooms for used nuclear fuel containers. It is designed to safely contain and isolate Canada's used nuclear fuel over the long term. The repository is assumed to be located in a crystalline or sedimentary rock geosphere at a nominal depth of 500 m. Further information can be found at https://www.nwmo.ca/
Other long tem waste management and disposal routes which are part of the IWS include:
In situ management is proposed for NPD, the WL WR-1 reactor and suitable WMAs. Environmental Assessments for NPD and WR-1 have been submitted to CNSC and project descriptions are available at http://www.cnl.ca/en/home/environmental-stewardship/whiteshell/default.aspx.
CNL’s D&WM division is progressing development of an ILW disposal solution through industry best practice, including opportunities for a collaborative solution within Canada.
Non-Radioactive Disposal Routes
CNL has conventional landfills located at its CRL & WL sites. The capacity of these landfills are limited and effort is made to divert waste from landfill.
A clearable waste program is in place at CNL to optimize use of the waste hierarchy. This involves confirmation monitoring of suspect contaminated materials to ensure wastes can be transferred off-site for reuse, recycling or disposal, as appropriate.
CNL has contracts in place with various off-site processors to provide suitable processing and disposal routes for a wide range of materials.
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9. CONCLUSIONS
This revision of the CNL IWS Summary provides an overview of the management of all waste
across CNL from cradle to grave and details baseline waste strategy upon which completion and
further optimization of waste pathways will be developed. Gaps in the IWS have been identified
and an Action Plan produced. Further iterations will be produced as the IWS develops.
The IWS will support effective and efficient waste management across all CNL sites which
supports the waste hierarchy.
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10. ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
AECL Atomic Energy of Canada Limited
CANDU Canada Deuterium Uranium
CNEA Canadian National Energy Alliance
CNL Canadian Nuclear Laboratories Ltd.
CNSC Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
CRL Chalk River Laboratories
DGR Deep Geologic Repository
DOE Department of Energy
DP Douglas Point
D&WM Decommissioning & Waste Management
ER Environmental Remediation
FD Facilities Decommissioning
G-1 Gentilly-1
GoCo Government-owned, Contractor-operated
HEU Highly Enriched Uranium
HLW High Level Waste
HWP Historic Waste Program
HWP MO Historic Waste Program Management Office
IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency
ILW Intermediate Level Waste
IWS Integrated Waste Strategy
LTWMF Long Term Waste Management Facility
LLW Low Level Waste
LLWP Low Level Waste Program
LLRWMO Low Level Radioactive Waste Management Office
NDA Nuclear Decommissioning Authority
NNSA National Nuclear Security Administration
NPD Nuclear Power Demonstration
NRCan Natural Resources Canada
NRU National Research Universal
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NRX National Research Experimental
NSDF Near Surface Disposal Facility
NWMO Nuclear Waste Management Organization
PCB Polychlorinated Biphenyls
PG Port Granby
PHAI Port Hope Area Initiative
PH Port Hope
POCO Post Operational Clean Out
R&D Research and Development
SLW Stored Liquid Waste
SMAGS Shielded Modular Above Ground Storage
SME Subject Matter Expert
S&T Science and technology
SwS Storage with Surveillance
UK United Kingdom
URL Underground Research Laboratories
US United States
WAC Waste Acceptance Criteria
WL Whiteshell Laboratories
WM Waste Management
WMA Waste Management Area
WM Program Waste Management Program
WR-1 Whiteshell Reactor -1
